State v. Lewis

STATE OF NEW JERSEY, PLAINTIFF-RESPONDENT,v.ALPHONSO LEWIS, DEFENDANT-APPELLANT

On appeal from the Superior Court of New Jersey, Law Division, Essex County.

Michels and McElroy.

Per Curiam

[182 NJSuper Page 406] Following plea negotiations, defendant Alphonso Lewis pleaded guilty to the rape of a 13-year-old high school girl in violation of N.J.S.A. 2A:138-1. The State, for its part of the agreement, recommended that any custodial sentence not exceed 15 years and that other criminal charges, including committing the rape while armed, possessing a dangerous knife and lewdness, be dismissed. Before sentencing, defendant was examined by the Adult Diagnostic & Treatment Center at Avenel, New Jersey (Diagnostic Center) where his behavior was found to come within the purview of the Sex Offenders Act, N.J.S.A. 2C:47-3, which became effective September 1, 1979 and replaced the provisions of the former Sex Offenders Act, N.J.S.A. 2A:164-6. Consequently, the Diagnostic Center recommended that defendant be committed to an institution designated and prescribed by law. Thereafter, defendant was sentenced to the Diagnostic Center for a program of specialized treatment for his mental

condition for 15 years and until released in accordance with the law. The sentence was to be served consecutively to sentences defendant was then serving for rape and robbery. The trial judge explained in detail the reasons for the imposition of the sentence, stating:

In fixing the sentence in this case, the seriousness of the crime, deterrence, protection of the public and rehabilitation of the defendant have all been considered. The defendant, his age, background, personality traits, past record, mental condition, and the best interests of the community have also been taken into account.

As a juvenile, the defendant was adjudicated a delinquent on three occasions. As an adult he was convicted of rape in August 1973, in September 1973 he was convicted of assault with intent to rape and assault with an offensive weapon, in March 1979 the defendant was convicted of two charges of rape and being armed while committing the rapes.

He has served time in State Home for Boys, Yardville, and New Jersey State Prison. The defendant violated the parole. As a matter of fact, he committed at least two rapes while on parole.

He was expelled from school for fighting. He has no employment history of any significance. The presentence report indicates the defendant has shown no remorse or regret for his actions. Defendant has failed to take advantage of probation and parole opportunities.

Throughout his life, his behavior has been antisocial. He is completely unable to adjust to society. I am convinced from the record that there is little or no chance for rehabilitation. There is nothing in his background to indicate any possibility for improvement. Society must be protected from such dangerous criminals.

Others who would commit such crimes are on notice that society will not tolerate such actions and they can expect no leniency from the Courts. This defendant has no sense of values whatsoever. This crime was heinous, repulsive, brutal, violent, and manifest in animalistic satisfaction of his beast passions.

The applicable aggravating circumstances, as set forth in 2C:44-1(a), considered by the Court in imposing his sentence are as follows.

The nature and circumstances of the offense and the will of the actor therein, including whether or not the crime was committed in an especially heinous, cruel, or depraved manner. The gravity and seriousness of harm, both physical and psychological, inflicted on the victim. The risks that the defendant would commit another crime. A lesser sentence would depreciate the seriousness of the defendant's crime. The extent of the defendant's prior criminal record, and the seriousness of the offenses of which he has been convicted. The need for deterring the defendant and others from violating the law. There are no mitigating circumstances.

Subsequently, defendant was resentenced and the original sentence was reimposed in accordance with ...

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